Around 400 people attended a special ceremony to honour those who were murdered in the Holocaust.

People from across Harrow, including councillors and community representatives, gathered at Harrow Arts Centre as part of the national Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.

Taking inspiration from this year’s theme of ‘the power of words’, the evening was dominated by poems, songs, readings and drama relating to the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

Honorary alderman Keith Toms, who represented the Mayor of Harrow, said: “A huge number of people of all ages and backgrounds turned out in force for this captivating and moving memorial.

“The powerful tributes and accounts humbled us all. We could see how damaging words can be in terms of propaganda but also the goodness of language in providing hope.

“There is still a great need for us to recognise the dangers of racism that threaten to divide society.

“We must continue to educate our children that in reality there is only one race – the human race – and we must all look after each other.”

The event, which was organised by the Harrow Interfaith Council, brought everyone together to highlight the importance of unity.

A member from each faith lit a Yahrzeit – memorial candles – to remember all victims of genocide.

There were emotional accounts from Bob and Ann Kirk who, as Jewish children, left Germany on the Kindertransport before the Second World War.

They told of their parents’ courage in making the difficult decision to send them to England for safety and how they were welcomed to London as refugees.

Kelima Dautovic also gave a speech based on what he witnessed during the Bosnian genocide in the early 1990s.

The Fourth Choir performed on behalf of the LGBT community – another victim of Nazi policy – while the London Jewish Male Choir and Nower Hill High School also took to the stage.

Cllr Sue Anderson, responsible for community, culture and resident engagement, said: “It is important for us to remember the events that led to the persecution of a group of people to try to ensure these atrocities never happen again.

“This was a moving and informative tribute to the millions who lost their lives in the Holocaust and in more recent genocides.

“Here in Harrow, we are proud that our community is made up of people from all backgrounds and faiths and stands together to fight those who spread hatred.”